Container with removable protective element

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a container comprising an edge delimiting an aperture and a rigid protective element arranged in a removable manner supported on said edge, said protective element comprising a gripping element centered on an outer surface of the protective element, said gripping element being of elongated form along an Y axis, said protective element comprising means arranged along the Y axis and/or an axis perpendicular to the Y axis and, at the time of a movement of the protective element intended to separate it from said edge, suitable for forming a tear to break the seal, in such a manner as to facilitate its removal.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/408,282, filed on Sep. 6, 2002, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to a container for the packaging of a product, in particular of a cosmetic product. The container according to the invention more particularly is in the form of a glass pot for the packaging of a cosmetic product, in particular a skin care cream.

[0003] Pots of cosmetic cream are often sold to consumers with a protective element, sometimes known as an “inner seal”. The inner seal, generally is fairly flexible, and may be supported at its periphery by the edge of the aperture of the pot. The inner seal may further be held in place by means of a screw-on lid. The inner seal protects the lid from the cream and prevents the latter from soiling the lid.

[0004] Generally the inner seal comprises a flexible tab which facilitates its removal, and which, more particularly, helps to overcome the suction cup effect inevitably generated by the inner seal in contact with the cream.

[0005] The handling of a flexible inner seal of this kind, in particular at increased speeds poses problems especially on an industrial production line.

[0006] It is one of the objects of the present invention to produce a container, in particular in the form of a pot, which is provided with a protective element in the form of an inner seal and which totally or partly overcomes the problems discussed above with reference to the known systems of prior art.

[0007] It is in particular an object of the present invention to produce such a container, which is economic to make and handle, in particular on an industrial production line. Additionally, the container should be simple to use, in particular when first opened.

[0008] Other objects will become apparent in the detailed description which follows.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] According to the present invention these objects are achieved by producing a container having an edge delimiting an aperture and a rigid protective element arranged in a removable manner supported on the edge. The protective element may have a gripping element centered on an outer surface of the protective element. The gripping element being of elongated form along a Y axis. The protective element may include a tearing element essentially arranged along the Y axis and/or an axis perpendicular to the Y axis. At a time of movement of the protective element intended to separate it from the edge, the tearing element suitable for forming a tear to break the seal facilitates removal of the protective element.

[0010] “Rigid” is preferably understood to mean “which does not crush easily.” That is to say “which either breaks or is deformed or damaged in an irreversible manner”, when attempt is made to fold it. Thus, if the lid is made from plastic, stress aimed at folding or deforming it causes degradation, which can particularly result in the material whitening.

[0011] Advantageously, the protective element may be configured in the form of a cup. A raised peripheral edge may be included with the protective element, which is supported on the edge of the container.

[0012] Preferably the tearing element is arranged in the vicinity of the peripheral edge of the protective element, along the Y axis, on two sides of the gripping element.

[0013] Thus assuming movement of the protective element along the Y axis, in order to remove it, the area of the protective element which first loses contact with the edge of the container is located on the periphery of the protective element. Essentially this is along the Y axis, on the side of the gripping element situated opposite the arm of the operator. The tearing element is located essentially at the same location. As a result as soon as movement of the protective element is started, air is drawn inside the container, thus causing pressure equilibrium between the container and the outside. This avoids, if not reduces, the suction cup effect mentioned above.

[0014] As previously mentioned, advantageously the tearing element is arranged in the vicinity of the peripheral edge of the protective element. Further, it may be located along an axis perpendicular to the Y axis, on both sides of the gripping element.

[0015] Thus assuming movement of the protective element along a direction perpendicular to the Y axis, the area of the protective element which first loses contact with the edge of the container, is located on the periphery of the protective element. Its location is further defined in that it is at 90° relative to the Y axis, on the side of the gripping element situated opposite the arm of the operator. The tearing element is also located at this location. As a result, as soon as the movement of the protective element is started, air is drawn inside the container. This causes pressure equilibrium between the container and the outside, thus avoiding or at least reducing the suction cup effect mentioned above.

[0016] According to a specific embodiment of the present invention, the protective element may include, in the vicinity of the periphery of the protective element's internal surface, at least one annular rib. The rib is intended to be supported on the edge. The tearing element also may include at least one area interrupted by the annular rib.

[0017] Additionally, the protective element may include a plurality of annular, concentric ribs.

[0018] The protective element is preferably made by molding a thermoplastic material, in particular polypropylene or polyethylene.

[0019] The container can be configured in the form of a pot, in particular a glass pot. The container may also be provided with a means of closure, in particular in the form of a screw-on lid. The lid is intended to seal the aperture. Advantageously when the closure means are in the fitted position on the container, the closure means may axially immobilize the protective element.

[0020] The container according to the invention can be used advantageously for packaging a cosmetic product, in particular, a skin care cream.

[0021] The invention, apart from the arrangements detailed above, consists of a certain number of other arrangements which will be clarified below, on the basis of non-limitative embodiments described with reference to the appended figures, wherein

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022]FIG. 1 is an exploded view of a container according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0023]FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the container in FIG. 1; and

[0024]FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the lower part of the protective element used in the container shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] Container 1 represented in FIGS. 1 and 2 includes a glass pot 2, having an X axis and circular section. The pot 2 may be glass.

[0026] One end of the pot 2 is closed by a base 3. Opposite the base 3, the pot 2 forms a neck 4, the external surface of which may be threaded.

[0027] The free edge of neck 4 defines an aperture 5. An internal annular area 6 of the free edge is essentially flat. Its height is slightly lower than the height of the external annular area 7 of the free edge. The difference in height corresponds essentially to the thickness of the inner seal, which will be discussed in more detail below.

[0028] The internal annular area 6 is intended to receive the peripheral edge 11 of inner seal 10.

[0029] The inner seal 10 may be configured in the form of a rigid cup. Preferably, the inner seal 10 is made from a high density polypropylene or polyethylene material. A central area 12 of the inner seal 10 is essentially flat and is joined to the peripheral edge 11 by an inclined area 13.

[0030] Essentially, in its center as may be defined by central area 12 of the inner seal 10, the inner seal 10 includes on its outer surface, inside the pot 2, a tab 14. Tab 14 may be configured in the shape of a portion of a disk in elongated form along a Y axis. However, tab 14 may be located along various other axes located on central area 12.

[0031] The height of the tab 14 in a preferred embodiment is such that its highest point is essentially equal to the height of the peripheral edge 11 of the inner seal 10. However, the maximum height of tab 14 may be less.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 3, on the side of the inner seal 10 opposite the tab 14, the peripheral edge 11 may include a plurality of annular concentric ribs 15, 16, 17, as for example. In a preferred embodiment, ribs 15, 16, and 17 may be interrupted in a plurality of areas. For example, four areas 18, 19, 20, 21, may be spaced at 90° from one another in a preferred embodiment. Two of the areas 18, 19 may be essentially along the Y axis. The other two 20, 21 may be along an axis perpendicular to the Y axis.

[0033] The angular width of each sector 18-21 is in the order of one to several degrees.

[0034] Container 1 may also include a screw-on lid 30. The threaded internal surface of lid 30 is suitable for cooperating with threads located on neck 4. The uppermost part of lid 30 consists of a convex wall 31, which can be snap-fastened onto lid 30.

[0035] Contact between tab 14 and the internal surface of lid 30 can contribute to the immobilization of the inner seal 10 located at the edge of the pot 2. This provides the required seal. Alternatively the internal surface of lid 30 may comprise an annular rib (not shown). When lid 30 is in the closed position, the annular rib is intended to be supported on the peripheral edge 11 of the inner seal 10, so as to immobilize the latter and make a seal.

[0036] When using the container 1, in particular for the first time, the consumer removes lid 30. The consumer then grips the inner seal 10 by the tab 14. Next, the consumer impresses on the inner seal 10 a movement aimed at its removal with an upward motion, a force component of which is along the Y axis. In this case the area of the inner seal 10, which first loses contact with the internal area 6 of the edge of the container, is the interrupted area 18 or 19. Due to the presence of an interrupted area at this point, as soon as movement of the inner seal 10 is started, air is drawn inside pot 2, thus causing pressure equilibrium between the container 1 and the outside. This avoids or at least reduces the generation of a suction cup effect.

[0037] Conversely, if the consumer impresses on it a movement aimed at its removal with an upward motion, a component of which is perpendicular to the Y axis, then the area of the inner seal 10, which first loses contact with the internal area 6 of the edge of the container, is the interrupted area 20 or 21. Due to the presence of an interrupted area at this location, as soon as the movement of the inner seal 10 is started, air is drawn inside pot 2, thus causing pressure equilibrium between the container 1 and the outside. Thus, once again avoiding or at least reducing the generation of a suction cup effect.

[0038] After initial use, before replacing lid 30, the consumer can choose to replace (or not replace) the inner seal 10.

[0039] In the example described above, reference has been made to preferred embodiments of the present invention. It is obvious that alternatives may be included in these without departing from the spirit of the invention as claimed below.

[0040] Although the invention herein has been described with reference to particular embodiments, it is to be understood that these embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles and applications of the present invention. It is therefore to be understood that numerous modifications may be made to the illustrative embodiments and that other arrangements may be devised without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims. 

What is claimed:
 1. A container comprising: a container body having an edge delimiting an aperture; a rigid, removable protective element, said protective element being supported on said edge and forming a seal between said protective element and said edge, said protective element including a gripping element located on an outer surface of said protective element, said gripping element being of an elongated form and defining a Y axis; and a tearing element being disposed at a location either along said Y axis or perpendicular to said Y axis, whereby when said protective element is attempted to be separated from said edge, said tearing element creates a tear in said seal so as to facilitate removal of said protective element from said edge.
 2. A container according to claim 1, wherein said protective element is configured in the form of a cup, said protective element further including a raised peripheral edge, said raised peripheral edge being supported on said edge of said container body.
 3. A container according to claim 2, wherein said gripping element has at least two sides, and wherein said tearing element is arranged in the vicinity of said peripheral edge of said protective element and along said Y axis on said two sides of said gripping element.
 4. A container according to claim 1, wherein said protective element includes a peripheral edge supported on said edge of said container body, said gripping element has at least two sides, and wherein said tearing element is arranged in the vicinity of said peripheral edge of said protective element and along said Y axis on said two sides of said gripping element.
 5. A container according to claim 1, wherein said protective element includes a peripheral edge supported on said edge of said container body, said gripping element has at least two sides, and wherein said tearing element is arranged in the vicinity of said peripheral edge of said protective element along an axis perpendicular to said Y axis on said two sides of said gripping element.
 6. A container according to claim 2, wherein said gripping element has at least two sides, and wherein said tearing element is arranged in the vicinity of said peripheral edge of said protective element along an axis perpendicular to said Y axis on said two sides of said gripping element.
 7. A container according to claim 3, wherein said tearing element is also arranged in the vicinity of said peripheral edge of said protective element along an axis perpendicular to said Y axis on said two sides of said gripping element.
 8. A container according to claim 4, wherein said tearing element is also arranged in the vicinity of said peripheral edge of said protective element along an axis perpendicular to said Y axis on said two sides of said gripping element.
 9. A container according to claim 1, wherein said protective element includes a peripheral edge, an internal surface and at least one annular rib in the vicinity of said peripheral edge on said internal surface, said at least one annular rib intended to be supported on said edge, and wherein said tearing element includes at least one interrupted area of said at least one annular rib.
 10. A container according to claim 2, wherein said protective element includes an internal surface and at lest one annular rib in the vicinity of said peripheral edge on said internal surface, said at least one annular rib intended to be supported on said edge, and wherein said tearing element includes at least one interrupted area of said at least one annular rib.
 11. A container according to claim 3, wherein said protective element includes an internal surface and at least one annular rib in the vicinity of said peripheral edge on said internal surface, said at least one annular rib intended to be supported on said edge, and wherein said tearing element includes at least one interrupted area of said at least one annular rib.
 12. A container according to claim 4, wherein said protective element includes an internal surface and at least one annular rib in the vicinity of said peripheral edge on said internal surface, said at least one annular rib intended to be supported on said edge, and wherein said tearing element includes at least one interrupted area of said at least one annular rib.
 13. A container according to claim 5, wherein said protective element includes an internal surface and at least one annular rib in the vicinity of said peripheral edge on said internal surface, said at least one annular rib intended to be supported on said edge, and wherein said tearing element includes at least one interrupted area of said at least one annular rib.
 14. A container according to claim 6, wherein said protective element includes an internal surface and at least one annular rib in the vicinity of said peripheral edge on said internal surface, said rib intended to be supported on said edge, and wherein said tearing element includes at least one interrupted area of said at least one annular rib.
 15. A container according to claim 7, wherein said protective element includes an internal surface and at least one annular rib in the vicinity of said peripheral edge on said internal surface, said rib intended to be supported on said edge, and wherein said tearing element includes at least one interrupted area of said at least one annular rib.
 16. A container according to claim 8, wherein said protective element includes an internal surface and at lest one annular rib in the vicinity of said peripheral edge on said internal surface, said rib intended to be supported on said edge, and wherein said tearing element includes at least one interrupted area of said at least one annular rib.
 17. A container according to claim 9, wherein said protective element comprises a plurality of annular, concentric ribs.
 18. A container according to claim 10, wherein said protective element comprises a plurality of annular, concentric ribs.
 19. A container according to claim 11, wherein said protective element comprises a plurality of annular, concentric ribs.
 20. A container according to claim 12, wherein said protective element comprises a plurality of annular, concentric ribs.
 21. A container according to claim 13, wherein said protective element comprises a plurality of annular, concentric ribs.
 22. A container according to claim 14, wherein said protective element comprises a plurality of annular, concentric ribs.
 23. A container according to claim 15, wherein said protective element comprises a plurality of annular, concentric ribs.
 24. A container according to claim 16, wherein said protective element comprises a plurality of annular, concentric ribs.
 25. A container according to claim 1, wherein said protective element comprises a molded thermoplastic material.
 26. A container according to claim 1, said container body is configured in the form of a pot.
 27. A container according to claim 1, including a lid intended to seal said aperture in said container body.
 28. A container according to claim 27, wherein when said lid is in the fitted position on said container body, said lid axially immobilizes said protective element.
 29. A container according to claim 1, wherein said container is used for packaging a cosmetic product. 